Free to see in Stirling
Who needs money when there’s so much to see, do and enjoy in and about Stirling for free?
Yes, free – you don’t need to spend a penny to savour some of the most entertaining, engaging and entrancing attractions anywhere in Scotland.
Tolbooth Gallery
Tolbooth Gallery sits within Tolbooth Stirling, a vibrant and contemporary music and arts venue located at the top of the old town in Stirling city centre.
Split across two rooms, with beautiful period features and wonderful natural light, Tolbooth Gallery has a history of exhibiting some first rate fine art works, as well wonderful exhibits from local amateur visual art collectives. Recently equipped to host the most innovative installations, Tolbooth Gallery has welcomed some renowned new media exhibitions, thanks to our in house suite of digital technology.
All exhibitions at Tolbooth Gallery are free to view.
To find out more about exhibiting at Tolbooth Gallery please contact us on [email protected]
Tolbooth Gallery
Stirling Smith Museum and Art Gallery
The Stirling Smith Museum and Gallery can transport you back in time with its compelling Scottish history collections, fine art and archaeology – and sports fans must not miss the world’s oldest football. Result!
Stirling Smith Museum
Cowane’s Hospital
Cowane’s Hospital is a 17th Century Almshouse in the historic city of Stirling and is located in the area known as Top o’ the Town, just below Stirling Castle and opposite the Church of the Holy Rude where King James VI was crowned.
It was established in 1637 with a bequest of 40,000 merks from the estate of merchant John Cowane (also referred to as Auld Staney Breeks) and is considered by Historic Scotland to be ‘a rare survival of 17th Century burgh architecture and one of the finest buildings of its kind in Scotland’.
Located within the building is the newly restored Guild Hall which houses the free John Cowane exhibition together with artefacts of the Guildry of Stirling who continue to hold their court meetings in the historic surroundings as they have done for several centuries.
Parish Church
If architecture is your thing, then the Parish Church in picturesque Bridge of Allan is a must. Famed architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh designed the chancel furnishings including the communion table, pulpit and organ screen in 1904. The scenic riverside Darn Walk offers a cost-free breath of fresh air.
Allanwater Brewhouse
Equally refreshing is Bridge of Allan’s Allanwater Brewhouse. Delve behind the scenes of a working micro-brewery, meet the brewer and dip into the secrets of making a hand-brewed Scottish pint using 100 percent natural ingredients. Entry and tastings are free.
Cambuskenneth Abbey
One of Scotland’s most significant abbeys, Cambuskenneth Abbey hosts a fine collection of medieval grave slabs and architectural fragments. Its dramatic early gothic bell tower is formed in handsome stonework and it was here in 1488 that James III was buried after the Battle of Sauchieburn.
Cambuskenneth Abbey
Stirling Old Bridge
The current bridge was built in the 1400s and 1500s replacing the old timber bridges. The bridge stands over the most critical river crossings in Scotland. Here in 1297 William Wallace and Andrew Moray led a Scottish army to victory against the English army of Edward I.
Beheading Stone
The traditional execution point of Medieval Stirling is located on Mote Hill also known as Heiding Hill. It was at the Beheading Stone that Murdoch Duke of Albany was executed in 1424 for treason.
Dunblane Museum
The museum showcases artefacts from the nearby Dunblane Cathedral and life in Dunblane from the Victorian era to today. There is also a special exhibition on the Murray Brothers with items donated by the Murray family.
Leighton Library
The Leighton Library is the oldest purpose-built library in Scotland founded on the collection of Robert Leighton, Bishop of Dunblane, 1661-1670. The library houses around 4,500 books printed in 89 languages, including Greek, Persian, Syrian and Gaelic. It’s located near Dunblane Cathedral and Dunblane Museum.
Kinneil
Located in the 17th century stable block of Kinneil House, Kinneil Museum provides an interpretative centre for Kinneil Estate, and the ‘2,000 Years of History’ exhibition tells the story of the park from Roman times to the present day. You’ll be associating with Emperor Antoninus Pius, Saint Serf, Mary, Queen of Scots, inventor James Watt and many other iconic figures.
The Maid of the Loch – Loch Lomond’s Paddle Steamer – is always worth seeing on the world famous Bonnie, Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond, at Balloch Pier. Last in a long line of paddle steamers on the loch, she was also the last such vessel built in Britain. Don’t be fooled by the name, Dollar Museum is free to enter and it’s not about currency – you’ll find out about the 877 Battle of Dollar between Danes and Scots (spoiler alert: the visitors win), see evocative Neolithic stone carvings, check out the recreation of Granny’s Kitchen, and more. This fine, independent local museum can carry you deep into Dollar village’s fascinating history.
Callendar House
In Falkirk, elegant and turreted Callendar House is a favourite spot for picnics with its leafy park, woodland walks and outdoor play area. You can enjoy a close-up look at an imposing stretch of the Antonine Wall World Heritage Site, which marked the ultimate northern frontier of the Roman Empire. Callendar House itself features impressive historical exhibitions and a working 1825 Georgian kitchen. The Park Art Gallery adds to the attractions close by.
Remember, you can also enjoy a lot of Scotland’s natural beauty without putting your hand in your pocket. Head for the great Scottish outdoors – the Falls of Falloch and the Falls of Dochart are two free treats, or for the more energetic, climb Ben Lomond, or visit a nature reserve such as Kinneil or Inchcailloch. Everywhere you go, the views are a gift.
Stirling XP
See Stirling like you never have before. Navigate the city with the help of a 3D map, learn more about the attractions above and collect the creatures of Stirling.
